Academic and Human Resources support for the UW Tacoma community

This message is being sent to all UW Tacoma faculty and staff.

We are writing to share with you a message from UW Provost Tricia R. Serio, which you will find below.

Like President Cauce and Provost Serio, we and all the UW Tacoma leadership team are devastated by the attacks on Israelis by Hamas terrorists, and by the subsequent tragic escalation of violence affecting civilians in both Israel and Gaza.

For many of us, these events are not abstract or “over there.” Here in the UW Tacoma community, we know that some of us have friends, family and loved ones who may be directly affected.

At times like this, many of us feel frustration over our powerlessness, and out of our sense that our voices are not being heard. Yet it is at times like this when we must recognize we are united by our shared humanity and our collective desire for peace.

As Huskies, we know that the world is not as simple as some would wish us to believe, and that it is possible to have compassion for people on both sides of a conflict. We urge you to reach out to support those in your community who may be in distress.

To supplement the resources in President Cauce’s and Provost Serio’s messages, the following UW Tacoma offices are available to support you on academic and human resource matters:

Office of Equity & Inclusion

Human Resources

Academic Human Resources

Office of Academic Affairs

Office of Research

UW Tacoma Office of Global Affairs

The following message is from UW Provost Tricia R. Serio.

October 12, 2023

Dear Colleagues, 

President Cauce shared a statement with our community on Monday following a horrific series of terror attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians over the weekend. This tragedy has now resulted in an escalation of violence impacting civilians in both Israel and Gaza. I share her devastation about the tragic loss of life, her concern for the members of our own campuses, who have family, friends, and loved ones in the region amid the on-going violence, and her call for productive dialogue that promotes understanding and peace.

The Office of Global Affairs is in contact with the members of our community who are currently in the affected area and is providing them with support. At this time, the university also recommends deferring all official university travel to Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

Beyond the resources shared in the President’s message, the following offices are available to support you on academic matters:

Office of Global Affairs

Office of Research

Office of Academic Personnel

Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Graduate School

International Student Services for students on an F or J Visa

Center for Teaching and Learning

I also acknowledge that many members of our university are likely struggling to be fully present in their normal activities on our campuses during this crisis. I ask that each one of us consider how we can support those members of our community in distress with outreach, increased flexibility, and appropriate accommodations at your discretion during this difficult time. It is my hope that our faculty, staff, and students can find some solace in the kindness and connections within our community always and especially during times of tragedy.

Sincerely,

Tricia R. Serio

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Professor, Biochemistry